The Criminal Court on Thursday decided to hold the trials of Jumhoory party (JP) leader Qasim Ibrahim and deputy leader Abdulla Riyaz behind closed doors while two lawyers from their legal team, Hisaan Hussain and Ahmed Shafeeq, have been banned from the hearings.

Qasim Ibrahim is charged with attempting bribery, coercion with regards to official duties and undue influence on voters, while his deputy Abdulla Riyaz is charged with obstructing an officer of law enforcement.

The court also banned their two lawyers from the trials. According to Hisaan, the court informed them of this decision when the two lawyers arrived at court early Thursday for their clients’ trials.

Lawyer Hisaan Hussain. PHOTO:Mihaaru

Hisaan added that the decision was made over the comments she had made in a press conference regarding Qasim’s arrest and trials at the Criminal Court. While expressing her concern, Hisaan noted that such a sudden action without prior notice creates doubt on her ability to practice law and infringes the rights of her clients.

During Wednesday’s press conference, Hisaan had said that she expected to see another ‘dilemma’ being issued by the court on Thursday. She meant that an order will be issued to remand him until the end of trial. “Only God knows when the trial will end,” said had said.